[Fso-mt] New National Testing Center

[Nick Tarlson]

A new electronic National Testing Center is available at
http://ntc.cgaux.org <http://ntc.cgaux.org/> . NACO's message announcing the
new NTC is available at: http://www.auxtdept.org/PDF/ETestingNACO.pdf. As a
staff officer for member training, you should be prepared to support your
members who will be attempting to use the new center.

 

Every Auxiliarist already has an account on the NTC, but it must be
activated by following the directions available at the new site. As part of
our effort to reduce the complexity of our electronic resources, activation
of an account on the eTesting center will rely on information from the
member's eDirectory account. If you or a member have any difficulty, check
the User Guide available from the NTC website.  Additional user support is
available at ntchelp at auxtdept.org. 

 

The NTC simplifies several aspects of online testing. For example, the new
eTesting center does not require members to request a proctor from the
National Testing Center in advance. In order to take a proctored test, the
member need only arrange to meet the proctor and have them sign in to the
system (as Test Administrator/Instructor) at the appropriate time. To avoid
delays, both the member and the proctor should have already activated their
accounts and know their passwords.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the New National Testing Center:

 

Q: How do I activate my new National Testing Center account?

 

A: Just go to http://ntc.cgaux.org <http://ntc.cgaux.org/>  and select "New
User - Get Password".

 

Q: What information will I need to get my new password?

 

A: All you need is your member number ("EMPLID") and your eDirectory
password.

 

Q: What if I don't have or can't remember my eDirectory password?

 

A: You can activate or reactivate your eDirectory account by going to:
http://www.auxedirectory.org/index.php. If you have problems, send an e-mail
to auxedirectory at gmail.com

 

Q: What if I don't have an email account, or am moving and in between
internet service providers?

 

A: Many internet service providers will allow you to obtain and use an email
address, even if you don't have a personal internet service in your home.
You can apply for the email addresses and check your email online, using a
web based email client. You can use the same email address to activate your
eDirectory account, and connect it to your eTesting account. Although the
Auxiliary cannot recommend a particular service provider, many of our
members use email accounts, and you can obtain the same, from yahoo, gmail,
hotmail, earthlink, or a number of other internet service providers.

 

Q: If I have trouble activating my eTesting account, what can I do?

 

A: First read the User Guide available on the NTC website.  If that doesn't
solve the problem, contact eTesting user support at ntchelp at auxtdept.org.

 

Q: Is there a user manual available?

 

A: Yes, a step-by-step guide is available at:
http://ntc.cgaux.org/UserGuide.pdf. 

 

Q: Why do I need to obtain and remember so many user names and passwords.

 

A: You don't. You can assign and use the same password for NTC and
eDirectory. You just need to remember to do that when it first asks you.
Both systems use your EMPLID as your user name.

 

Q: How do I apply to take a proctored test in the new NTC?

 

A: You don't need to apply to the National Testing Center in advance to take
a proctored test. All you have to do is make sure your proctor is with you,
and start the test. Your proctor will be asked to sign on (as Test
Administrator or Instructor) at the appropriate time to prove s/he is
present and supervising your test taking. You and your proctor should make
sure you activate your eTesting accounts before you get together to make
sure you both have access.

 

Q: How do I apply to be an on-line  proctor?

 

A: You no longer need to apply. If you are a proctor, you are already listed
as one in the system. All you need to do is activate your account and you
are ready to proctor tests. Proctoring consists of signing on when the
student is prompted for a Test Administrator or Instructor. If there is a
question as to whether you are a proctor or not, contact your DIRAUX. If you
take a test yourself, you will not be prompted for a proctor, because you
are already one.

 

Q: What are the responsibilities of a proctor?

 

A: Physically log on the same computer that the Auxiliarist will be using to
take the exam

Remain in the room while the Auxiliarist is taking the exam. Make sure the
candidate doesn't do anything to compromise the integrity of the test.

 

Q: How long does the member have to take a test?

 

A: The Auxiliarist will have 3 hours to complete an open book exam before
being logged off by the system.  Proctored tests are untimed.

 

Q: How do I find out if I have passed a test?

 

A: You will be notified immediately on completion whether you passed or not.
You will also have an opportunity to print an unofficial report/certificate.
If you passed, several additional things will happen. AUXDATA will be
notified and your testing results will be entered as tasks or competencies
in that system. Your DIRAUX will also be notified and provided with an
official certificate and/or letter that can be printed out and presented to
you at your next unit meeting. If you passed a test in the old National
Testing Center (between 3/1/05 and 7/21/07, you can check your results at:
http://cgexams.info/testing/checkmypassingscore.asp If you passed a test in
the new NTC, you can check your results in AUXINFO at:
http://www.auxinfo.uscg.gov/. 

 

Q: Where can I obtain study materials which will help me pass these tests?

 

A: From the National Testing Center webpage, click on "Study Materials for
These Tests" or simply point your browser to
http://www.auxtdept.org/Members.htm

 

Q: Is there a limit to how many times I can take a test?

 

A: Yes. If you do not pass a test, you should go back and study the material
before retaking the test. If you take a test five times and do not pass, it
is an indication that you are either not being provided the correct
resources or are not using them properly. You will be unable to take the
test again for one month.  Use that time to study. You will have two more
tries.  If you fail both of those attempts, there is another one-month "time
out" before you can take the test again.

 

Regards,

Nick Tarlson, DVC-TD

Chief, Distance Learning Division

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